Flying with your MTB: A Guide

Planning a holiday with family or friends can be a tremendously enjoyable experience, but it can also present its own set of challenges, particularly when you need to transport bulky and heavy items like a mountain bike. A question frequently pondered by cyclists embarking on journeys to distant locales is: can you bring a mountain bike on a plane? The straightforward answer is yes, provided you meticulously adhere to airline regulations and pack your bike appropriately. This typically involves partially dismantling it, ensuring it's thoroughly cleaned, and securing it within a specialised bike bag or case. Many enthusiasts travel with the primary goal of exploring world-renowned cycling trails. This article aims to provide you with comprehensive guidelines to ensure your mountain bike travels safely, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of sightseeing on your beloved ride. After all, what could be more rewarding than experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of a new destination from the saddle of your own bike?

Mountain Bike Airline Guidelines

Transporting a mountain bike via aeroplane can seem like a daunting task, but with these essential tips, we hope to simplify the process for you. By considering these crucial points, your off-road adventure will be significantly smoother. Firstly, and most importantly, confirm whether your chosen airline permits the transportation of bicycles. It's advisable to ascertain this early in your planning to avoid the disappointment of discovering restrictions that could jeopardise your entire trip. While the majority of airlines are accommodating, a few unfortunately prohibit bikes on board. Should your airline have such a policy, we'll explore alternative solutions in a later section of this article. It is imperative to familiarise yourself with the airline's specific baggage policies. Pay close attention to any weight restrictions before purchasing your ticket, as these limits vary significantly between carriers. Understanding the weight allowance will be critical in determining if you can bring your bike. Remember, holidays are meant for enjoyment, and you wouldn't want to face regrets simply because you overlooked the fine print. Furthermore, investigate the associated fees for transporting a bicycle. Regardless of the airline selected, there will invariably be a charge for bringing a bike. These fees typically range from £40 to £200 (or the equivalent in your local currency) for a one-way journey. It's prudent to check with your airline in advance to accurately budget your travel expenses. Upon boarding, ensure your bike is securely fastened within its bag. There should be no loose parts rattling or shifting inside, as this could lead to significant damage during transit. Upon arrival at your destination, it is crucial to inspect the condition of your bike immediately. If you discover any form of damage, report it to your travel insurance provider without delay. Failure to do so promptly may invalidate your claim.

Prepping Your Mountain Bike for the Trip

Once you have successfully navigated all the airline regulations, the next step is to ensure your mountain bike is adequately prepared for its journey. While you might anticipate a laborious packing process, preparing your bike is surprisingly manageable. Don't be daunted; getting your mountain bike ready for that exotic trail you've always dreamed of exploring is far less complex than packing a road bike. We're here to guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your mountain bike arrives safely at its destination, allowing for a relaxed and stress-free travel experience.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Bike Is Squeaky Clean

The initial preparation stage involves thoroughly cleaning your bicycle. Firstly, certain countries, such as New Zealand, enforce stringent regulations regarding the introduction of foreign soil. Those muddy tyres that might look impressive on the trail are a definite no-no for customs. Research is essential, as bringing a dirty bike into a country could result in its impoundment. Secondly, who would want to start a holiday with a muddy bike? It's far more satisfying to arrive in a new country with a clean machine, ready to embrace the local dirt.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Supplies

After giving your mountain bike a thorough wash, it's time to begin the dismantling process. Here are the essential tools and items you'll need:

• A Bike Bag or Box: If you frequently embark on off-road adventures, investing in a high-quality bike case is highly recommended. You don't want to unpack after a flight only to find a damaged brake rotor or a bent derailleur hanger, which could derail your entire holiday and incur significant repair costs in an unfamiliar location. A robust bike case also offers the advantage of being able to store additional items. Since you'll likely be paying a bike carriage fee with no additional weight restrictions, maximise the available space. You can use your cycling apparel to further protect the bike frame, effectively killing two birds with one stone.
• Allen Keys or a Multi-Tool Set
• Pedal Wrench
• Bubble Wrap or Foam Padding
• Zip Ties
• Strong Tape
• Rags
• A Beverage (optional, but highly recommended for morale!)

Step 3: Dismantle the Bike

With all your tools and supplies at the ready, it's time to carefully dismantle specific components of your bike. This is crucial for safe air travel. Don't be intimidated; the process is quite straightforward.

• Mark Key Components: Place a piece of tape on your seat post and handlebars and mark them with a pen. This will help you remember their original positions for reassembly.
• Remove Rear Wheel: As you detach the rear wheel, insert a hub spacer or a similar protective item into the frame's dropouts. Consider removing the rear derailleur as well, ensuring it's well-protected with foam or bubble wrap.
• Remove Tyres: Before removing the tyres, shift the bike's chain onto the largest front chainring and the smallest rear cog.
• Remove Pedals: When removing the pedals, pay attention to the correct direction for your pedal wrench or Allen key (remember: left pedal is reverse-threaded).
• Remove Handlebars: Detach the handlebars from the stem. To prevent losing the stem faceplate, it's a good idea to reattach it to the stem after removal. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely to prevent movement. Some bike cases may require complete stem removal, while others allow you to position the stem facing rearwards; check your case's specific requirements.
• Secure Thru-Axles: Ensure your thru-axles are secured to facilitate easy reattachment of the rear wheel.
• Dismantle Front Wheel: Protect the fork by using an axle spacer. If one isn't available, an old axle or hub can serve the same purpose.
• Deflate Tyres: While some airlines may not mandate tyre deflation due to cabin pressurisation, it's a good precautionary measure to deflate them slightly. Leave a small amount of air in the tyres to protect the rims.
• Protect Linkages: It's important to wrap suspension linkages with bubble wrap for added protection.
• Remove Seat Post and Handlebars: Depending on your bike case, you may need to remove the seat post. If your bike has an integrated dropper post, you might be able to reposition it instead of removing it entirely.
• Protect Disc Brake Pads: To prevent the brake pads from touching each other, insert a pad spacer (such as a piece of cardboard) between the front and rear brake rotors. This small step can prevent significant damage.
• Manage Excess Chain: If there's excess chain, use zip ties to secure it to the bike's frame. Wrapping the chain in bubble wrap or cardboard will prevent it from scratching or damaging the bike and will also contain any grease.
• Protect the Frame: Generously wrap the bike frame with foam or bubble wrap. You've earned a break and perhaps that beverage now!

Step 4: Pack Everything Into the Case

Now that your mountain bike is disassembled, it's time to carefully pack it into its case. Avoid haphazard packing; follow these steps for an organised approach:

• Pack the Wheels: Begin by placing the wheels into the case. Remember to detach the skewers first and place them in a side pocket.
• Position the Frame: Carefully place the bike frame into the case. Most bike cases are equipped with straps and fittings to secure the frame properly. If yours lacks these, use cardboard, foam, or bubble wrap to ensure the bike is held firmly in place.
• Secure the Bottom Bracket: Position the bottom bracket on the central block of the case, with the chainring facing downwards. These blocks are often adjustable to accommodate different bike sizes. If your case doesn't have blocks, remove the chainrings and use bubble wrap for cushioning. Fill the bottom of the case with bubble wrap for added protection.
• Place the Rear Axle: Insert the rear axle into the designated rear block, ensuring it's in the correct slot.
• Attach Handlebars: Use the provided straps in the case to secure the handlebars. If no straps are available, zip ties can be used. Ensure they are firmly attached to prevent any movement during the flight.
• Pack Pedals and Seat Post: Pack the pedals and seat post securely.
• Utilise Remaining Space: If there's any space left in the case, pack your helmet and other protective gear. It's also wise to include any tools you might need during your trip. Consider packing energy drinks as well. Ensure you have ample cardboard, foam, and bubble wrap to prevent any parts from rattling.

Bonus Pro-Tip

When venturing to foreign bike trails, it's highly recommended to pack an abundance of cycling clothing. Mountain biking is an inherently strenuous and sweat-inducing activity. After a demanding day on the trails, the thought of wearing the same shorts and jersey the next day is less than appealing. To avoid wasting precious holiday time at laundrettes, pack at least four pairs of shorts and jerseys for a two-day trip. Don't forget to pack plenty of socks!

Other Options

As promised, here are alternative solutions should your chosen airline prohibit you from bringing your mountain bike. While these options might be more costly than flying with your bike, they are viable if you are determined to have your bike with you.

Option 1: Shipping

Shipping your bike can be a considerable expense, especially for intercontinental travel. For example, shipping a mountain bike from Toronto, Canada, to Lima, Peru, could cost approximately £460 (or equivalent). However, for travel within continents like Europe or North America, shipping might be more cost-effective than air travel. It also offers the convenience of not having to transport the bike to the airport yourself. Furthermore, shipping companies often provide superior handling compared to airline baggage handlers, and travel insurance is typically easier to arrange. Some reputable shipping companies include:

• Bikeflights: This company markets itself as a simple and affordable solution for bike shipping.
• FedEx: This provider offers insurance for your bike case.
• UPS: While slightly more expensive, UPS is another option. The Adventure Cycling Association notes that UPS generally takes longer for shipping than FedEx and does not always cover insurance.

Option 2: Renting

Another excellent option is to rent a bike at your destination. While we generally advocate for cyclists to bring their own bikes, as familiarity breeds better riding, there are circumstances where renting is more practical than flying or shipping. For instance, if you have further travel plans after your cycling trip, lugging your bike around can be a significant hassle. Here are some tips for renting a bike:

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons when rental shops are busiest.
• Research Bike Models: Investigate the rental company's available bike models, their age, and brands.
• Maintenance Checks: Enquire about the frequency of bike maintenance and inspections. Ideally, bikes should be serviced after every rental.
• Damage Policy: Understand the rental company's policy on accidental damage. Will you be liable for repair costs?
• Sizing is Crucial: Never underestimate the importance of correct sizing for a smooth riding experience. A medium frame from one manufacturer may not fit the same as a medium from another. Before renting, determine the specific brand and model you prefer, then locate local shops that stock it. Visit the shop and test ride the bike to ascertain your correct size.

Sacred Rides has partnered with various bike shops and rental stores in numerous destinations, ensuring access to a wide selection of quality mountain bikes for rent. Whether you're travelling with them or independently, don't hesitate to contact them to explore your rental options. Once you've completed all these preparations, there's just one final, crucial step: sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

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